Downpour (2)

The rain started pouring; announcing its raging downfall from the chaotic drops colliding on the roof tiles, which were big enough to produce loud strikes, hammering their eardrums.

The quenching noises from the rain outside and the sound of the wind howling crossed the threshold of the door and the open windows, allowing the people inside the library to listen to its low-pitched cries.

Just in, a harsh boom rolled after the flash of lightning, blending to the uncontrolled heavy rain occurring. Another followed after the nicked bolt of white lightning cracked the skies; shining as it peeked from the overcast clouds then disappeared, causing another raucous roar.

"Whoa. That one hurt." Sungho brought a hand on his ear, tightening his hold to the three books on his chest. "Daewon, don't forget what we agreed to."

"You mean what you ordered me, Your Highness?" his companion commented behind him.

"You told me you've seen the library of the palace," was Sungho's response from his remark. "You did say they got more books about the things I'm looking for than here. Then that only meant you got the permission of the King to enter the place."

"... Yes, I once visited it and went around reading." He caught Daewon answered in defeat. "I understand. I will bring them with me tomorrow morning."

With a smile drawn on his lips, Sungho let his guard support him to the corner where they left Chun. However, when they arrived by the door, they could not see the court lady who was just standing there earlier.

"Huh? Where did Chun run off to?" he asked as he surveyed his blurred surroundings, trying to look back from where they came from to find the person.

"I think she went to bring us an umbrella," was Daewon's assumption as he noticed the sliding door was not initially closed.

"What is she thinking? It's pouring outside."

Sungho slid the door open and was instantly greeted by the trees swaying, dancing through the wind; continuous raindrops cascading from the skies, soaking the ground as they watched inside the library.

"Your Highness, it's best for us to stay inside and wait for that lady."

"That's Ms. Chun for you," Sungho corrected him, "You've been disrespectful to others, soldier. Moreover, she's older than you."

"And you assumed I'm a mere soldier?" Daewon commented.

"Then what are you?"

"… I'm the general's nephew?"

Sungho knotted his brows from his words that seemed to be trying to mislead him. "You don't sound certain of your answer," he responded, his suspicion of the guard grew larger.

"Your Highness," was from a loud call echoed across the road. Before Sungho could even berate to Chun, who was rushing with something on her hold, she began her explanation. "I saw a maidservant earlier and asked for shade. I thought of fetching these umbrellas for us to use."

Seeing his court lady was running out of breath, Sungho grabbed the paper umbrella in her possession and passed it to Daewon. "You left me with someone I barely trust," Sungho audibly mumbled, not knowing he revealed his inner thoughts.

"..."

"I'm sorry, Your Highness." Chun hurriedly lowered her gaze and offered to shade him under the umbrella.

As Sungho patted her head, he simply said in recovery, "At least you're not drenched." Placing his hand on her arm for assistance.

All said nothing as they trailed the soaked ground from the continuous rain pouring heavily, letting the grass and trees take a long drink now that precipitations came.

The current rich brown soil, which was originally light and crumbly, created mud smudges on the edges of their lower clothing; the earth produced quenching as their footwear trample the wet ground and rain puddles.

No one dared to speak, yet Daewon chose to break this silence when he asked Sungho. "What am I going to do to make you trust me, Your Highness?"

"I do not have a clue. Perhaps when you brought tons of books I ordered tomorrow, I might think about it," Sungho joked in a toneless manner and the guard was quiet again.